The Effect of LymphaTouch® and Manual Lymphatic Drainage on Extremity Circumference Measurements in Lymphedema

The Effect of LymphaTouch® and Manual Lymphatic Drainage on Extremity Circumference Measurements in Lymphedema: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective study will be conducted using the medical records of lymphedema patients followed in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinics and lymphedema unit of Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital. Women and men aged 18-75 years with a diagnosis of upper or lower extremity lymphedema will be included. Sociodemographic and clinical data of the patients will be recorded, and participants will be divided into two treatment groups: those who received LymphaTouch® therapy and those who underwent Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Pre- and post-treatment extremity circumference measurements will be obtained from patient records, and the differences between the groups will be compared.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically diagnosed with lymphedema
• Aged between 18 and 75 years
• Complete pre- and post-treatment extremity circumference measurements available in patient records

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of systemic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatologic disorders, or malignancy
• Presence of neurological disorders (e.g., polyneuropathy, multiple sclerosis, history of stroke)
• Pregnancy
• History of surgery or major trauma involving the affected limb within the past 6 months
• History of injection therapy or physical therapy applied to the same limb within the past 6 months
• History of infection or active dermatological disease affecting the limb
• Incomplete or inconsistent data in patient records